The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has uncovered a suspected child trafficking network allegedly operating under the cover of an orphanage in the Saburi area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the discovery followed a petition submitted on January 29, 2026, by concerned residents of Saburi to the Office of the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, over suspicious activities linked to the facility.
According to Adeh, the command promptly launched a discreet investigation after receiving the complaint. Preliminary findings indicated that the orphanage operators allegedly targeted low-income families in rural communities across the country. They reportedly obtained custody of children by promising access to education in urban centres and the prospect of a better life.
Instead, the children were allegedly trafficked to buyers in different parts of the country through the facility.
“The FCT Police Command uncovered a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of an orphanage home in the Saburi area of the FCT,” the statement said in part. “Preliminary investigations revealed that the operators targeted indigent families, securing custody of young children under the pretext of providing education and improved opportunities, but instead trafficking them to prospective buyers.”
Adeh disclosed that 21 out of 46 children allegedly trafficked through the operation have so far been rescued. She said the rescued children are undergoing procedures aimed at ensuring their safe reunification with their biological parents.
Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining victims and arrest all individuals connected to the crime.
The police spokesperson also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children’s welfare, cautioning that not all offers of sponsorship or better opportunities are genuine.